IDF chief Zamir vows to destroy Hamas, return the hostages; urges ‘everyone’ to serve; hails brave surveillance soldiers

Speaking at the Memorial Day ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir says Hamas “is mistaken” about the military’s determination to return the hostages and defeat the terror group.

“We must remember, we are in a multi-front war for the very existence of the State of Israel. Iran and its proxies opened a war. They seek to eliminate the Zionist idea and deprive us of our right to live here as a free and sovereign people,” he says.

“Our enemies were wrong in assessing our response. So, too, Hamas is mistaken about our determination to return the hostages and defeat it. Both tasks involve each other. We will increase our activities until both tasks are completed,” Zamir says.

“To the families of our kidnapped soldiers and civilians, I wish to say: Your voice is heard. The faces of your loved ones are ever before my eyes. Our moral, national, and foremost obligation is to bring the hostages home. We will not rest, and we will not remain silent. We will continue to act in every way possible until we fulfill this sacred mission,” he says.

In comments aimed at the ultra-Orthodox community, who largely don’t serve in the military, he says: “The IDF, the people’s army, is obligated to meet its tasks, and at this time, more than ever, we need everyone.”

“This is an operational necessity, and at the same time, a national need for equality and unity of destiny. I call on everyone to get under the stretcher in the shared historic journey of our people. Toward independence, freedom, and security,” Zamir says.

“I have no doubt that the partnership will be in harmony with the unique diversity that has characterized the people of Israel throughout history,” he says.

Zamir, in his speech, mentions the “brave” surveillance soldiers from the Nahal Oz military post, many of whom were killed and kidnapped during Hamas’s October 7 onslaught: “They reported about the breach of the fence, while keeping their composure in an exemplary manner. They did not stop even when terrorists were close. Even when the shooting was heard right next to them, they continued to alert, until their voices were no longer heard.”

“As the commander of the Israel Defense Forces, as I stand here next to the Western Wall, I swear, along with all IDF soldiers, to continue to realize our responsibility: to protect the State of Israel and ensure our right to live here in a safe and prosperous state,” he adds.